Variable buoyancy swimming device

Abstract

A variable buoyancy swimming device and swim methodology for teaching beginner swimmers how to swim and achieve independent, non-supported swimming skill. The present device assists in teaching and learning swimming by providing stability in the water and variable buoyancy for learning swimmers. A back float with a belt attached to at least one additional float with a twist lock mechanism for easy buoyancy adjustment for swimmers who need buoyancy assistance. The removal of buoyant float pieces once the swimmer has achieved specific swim milestones and skills allows a safe transition based on skill development while providing buoyancy and safety under parent or coach supervision ultimately achieving the goal of an independent swimmer with proper technique in a methodical system.

1 . A variable buoyancy swimming device comprising:
 a back float comprising a back float twist-lock connector;   a belt secured to the back float comprising a belt clasp;   a middle float comprising a first side with a middle float first twist-lock connector reversibly engageable with the back float twist-lock connector and a second side with a middle float second twist-lock connector; and   an outer float comprising an outer float twist-lock connector reversibly engageable with the middle float second twist-lock connector.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the back float comprises at least one flex aperture. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the back float twist-lock connector and middle float first twist-lock connector, and middle float second twist-lock connector and outer float twist-lock connector comprises a bayonet mount. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the bayonet mount comprises at least one complementary ball spring and spring lock. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein separation of the back float twist-lock connector from the middle float first twist-lock connector requires more torque than separation of the middle float second twist-lock connector and the outer float twist-lock connector. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the back float further comprises at least one of a grommet and belt guide. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein each of the back float, middle float, and outer float have the same buoyancy. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the back float comprises two buoyant wings. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising more than one middle float, wherein the second side of a first middle float with a first twist-lock connector is reversibly engageable with the first side of a second middle float with a second twist-lock connector. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the back float twist-lock connector and middle float first twist-lock connector, and middle float second twist-lock connector and outer float twist-lock connector is a quarter turn twist-lock connector. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the back float, middle float, and outer float comprise a buoyant foam. 
     
     
         12 . A method of teaching swimming comprising:
 fitting a learning swimmer with a swimming device comprising:
 a back float comprising a back float twist-lock connector; 
 a belt secured to the back float comprising a belt clasp; 
 a middle float comprising a first side with a middle float first twist-lock connector reversibly engageable with the back float twist-lock connector and a second side with a middle float second twist-lock connector; and 
 an outer float comprising an outer float twist-lock connector reversibly engageable with the middle float second twist-lock connector; 
   when the swimmer has completed a first set of milestones, removing the outer float by twisting the outer float relative to the middle float;   when the swimmer has completed a second set of milestones, removing the middle float by twisting the middle float relative to the back float;   when the swimmer has completed a third set of milestones, removing the back float by undoing the belt.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the first set of milestones, second set of milestones, and third set of milestones are the same. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the first set of milestones, second set of milestones, or third set of milestones comprise a 20 m front swim. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein during progression through the first set of milestones, second set of milestones, and third set of milestones the swimmer progresses from a more vertical posture to a more horizontal posture in the water. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein after the swimmer has completed the third set of milestones the swimmer is capable of independent swimming for at least 5 metres. 
     
     
         17 . A variable buoyancy swimming device comprising:
 a back float comprising a back float twist-lock connector;   a belt secured to the back float comprising a belt clasp; and   an outer float comprising an outer float twist-lock connector reversibly engageable with the back float twist-lock connector.   
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the back float further comprise at least one of a grommet and belt guide. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein each of the back float and outer float have the same buoyancy. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the back float comprises at least one flex aperture.